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November 11, 2021

November is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month

November has been designated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month. Per the CDC, approximately 15.7 million Americans report that they have COPD, though these numbers may be higher (CDC - Basics About COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 2019).

COPD encompasses emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

  • Emphysema is a chronic condition in which the alveoli of the lungs weaken and become damaged. This causes the alveoli to stretch out and lose elasticity. Once this occurs, the ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide within the alveoli becomes compromised and breathing becomes more difficult for the patient.
  • Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes. As the bronchial tubes become inflamed and irritated, mucus builds up. Breathing becomes more difficult for the patient as the lungs need to work harder to get oxygen in and carbon dioxide out.

Symptoms of COPD include dyspnea, frequent coughing, excessive mucus production, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. Pollutants and irritants in the air, respiratory infections, and genetics are several factors that contribute to the development and exacerbation of COPD. However, smoking is considered the primary cause in development and exacerbation of COPD.

Some steps you can take to assist your patients with COPD include:

  • Educate your patients with COPD about their chronic disease.
  • Discuss Chronic Care Management services with your patients and if they qualify, provide resources to them on how to enroll.
  • Educate your patients on the effects of smoking. Medicare covers counseling to prevent tobacco use for those patients that qualify. Discuss this Medicare covered benefit with your patients and encourage them to enroll.
  • Discuss possible irritants to the lungs and how to avoid or minimize exposure to these allergens.
  • Encourage your patients to schedule annual wellness visits and health screenings.
  • Encourage your patients to get their flu shot annually.
  • Encourage your patients to get their pneumococcal shot.
  • Educate your patients on infection prevention practices such as frequent handwashing.

Chronic Care Management Services
Chronic Care Management (CCM) services are a Part B benefit offered to patients with two or more chronic medical conditions that meet patient eligibility requirements. CCM services allow the health care provider and the patient/caregivers to work together proactively in the management of the patient’s multiple chronic medical conditions.

A chronic medical condition can be defined as:

    • Medical condition that lasts 12 months or longer
    • Requires ongoing treatment by a physician or other similar health care provider
    • Places the affected individual at risk for death, recurring flare-ups, and/or decline in ability to function
    • Examples- arthritis, asthma, cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, diabetes, heart failure, hypertension, ischemic heart disease

Please refer to Chronic Care Management Job AidExternal pdf for additional details regarding these services.

To learn more about Medicare-covered services, visit CMS Preventive Services :External website

For more information of COPD:

For More Information on Preventive Services:

For more information on Chronic Care Management Services:

References

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